Ceramiche Baldelli Pottery

Ceramiche Baldelli pottery is made by the Italian company Ceramiche Baldelli in Città di Castello, near Perugia, Italy.

History & Description

The company was founded in 1943 in piazza Gioberti, Città di Castello, by ceramist Dante Baldelli and his brother Angelo and was gradually assisted by his eldest son, Massimo. Previously, Dante was the director of the prestigious Ceramica Rometti di Umbertide.

Following Dante’s unexpected death in 1953, Massimo, who was then only eighteen, took over the business and it was under his leadership that Baldelli pottery was sold in US department stores in the 1970s.

In the 1980s, Massimo’s daughter, Simona, and her husband Lorenzo Colacicchi joined the family business. The company moved its workshop to the area outside Città di Castello in the early 1990s.

Guide for collectors

Ceramiche Baldelli is well-known for its Mid-Century Modern pottery designs created during the 1950s and 1960s, which are characterised by strong, vibrant colours and geometric patterns. While the company produced a range of ceramic products, their animal shaped money banks are highly prized among collectors.

At present, Ceramiche Baldelli pottery is very rarely sold through national auction houses. However, they are occasionally advertised on eBay.

Notable auction sales

On March 5th 2012, a ceramic bust of a Nubian woman, made by Baldelli, circa 1950s, was sold on eBay for $136.38.

On February 20th 2012, an abstract pottery lion or cat money bank, made by Baldelli, circa 1950s, was sold on eBay for $130.

On March 5th 2012, an abstract stylised cat money bank, made by Baldelli, circa 1950s, was sold on eBay for $120.

On March 12th 2012, a large pottery Mid-Century Modern vase, made by Baldelli, circa 1960s, was sold on eBay for $95.

On March 7th 2012, a Mid-Century Modern pottery tobacco jar or humidor, made by Baldelli, circa 1960s, was sold on eBay for $60.